Creating change with the Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland
Every 3 minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia - and the number of people living with dementia is set to rise to over one million by 2021. Dementia is a progressive illness, affecting people's memories, independence and the ability to communicate - currently there is no cure. That's why we're supporting the business and financial world to help create ground-breaking dementia friendly changes, right across the industry. In 2016, we launched a 3 year strategic partnership with Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland.
Ian Stuart, CEO, HSBC UK says 'Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia and I am proud to work for an organisation which is helping to raise awareness and funds to support the Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland. Their ongoing research will not only improve the quality of care for people today, it will help us to better understand our customers, colleagues and communities who are living with this illness and support research towards finding a cure.'
Education and awareness
To help support people with the condition, HSBC UK staff are receiving Dementia Friends information sessions, learning more about dementia and the small ways they can help. From telling friends about Dementia Friends to visiting someone you know living with dementia, every small step can make a difference. Over 15,000 HSBC colleagues have already become Dementia Friends.
Dementia friendly business
At HSBC we are also working to improve products, services and premises, and improving our website to ensure it is accessible for those living with dementia. Find out more.
The launch of the Managing money with dementia (PDF) guide aims to make it easier for customers living with the disease to look after their financial affairs. It was developed in tandem with Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland and uses feedback from focus groups of people living with dementia and their carers to identify some of the key challenges faced when it comes to financial management.
Supporting our employees
We're working to support our employees who are living with dementia or supporting a loved one, by making sure we allow them to take time to care for family members and access vital support networks.
Fundraising
As part of our partnership, we are raising funds and awareness. The staff within HSBC UK have taken part in all manner of activities including treks, cycle rides, Elf Day and bake sales.
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society, commented: "Visiting a bank branch can be an overwhelming task for a person with dementia. What many take for granted as easy, everyday banking tasks like, remembering a PIN or other personal information, can suddenly become an unexpected challenge. Through this partnership with HSBC, we hope to create a space where those affected by dementia feel supported and treated as equal members of society."
